A rash of new studies agree – electronic mountain bikes are no worse than pedal bikes on dirt trails.
Those studies come from several states and multiple agencies, including the U.S. Forest Service, National Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, University of Vermont and others. They show that Class 1 e-MTBs, with pedal-assist only, are “indistinguishable” from pedal bikes in how they impact trails, safety and other mountain bikers.
Now, Summit County Mountain Bike Association is weighing in. SCoMBA says it will push for expanded e-MTB terrain in Summit while protecting the rules already in place. Class 1 e-MTBs are only allowed at Frisco Peninsula, portions of Tenderfoot Mountain, dirt roads and the recpath.
“SCoMBA’s mission is to build, maintain and unify,” the group posted online. “We support the responsible use of approved trails by all mountain bikers. Following our vision as the hub for all things mountain biking, SCoMBA supports the use of Class 1 e-MTBs on our trails and will advocate for their usage among the stakeholders across the county. At the same time, we oppose the use of e-MTBs on trails that are not open to them.”
SCoMBA’s stance is firing up mountain bikers on both sides of the argument. Here’s a sample of what they are saying on the Facebook page Summit County Trail Conditions:
